Nov 22, 2013

{Five Minute Friday}: Fly

Five Minute Friday
Every Friday, writers, mostly women, link up at Lisa-Jo's place to share their thoughts on the week's word prompt.  Today, the word is: FLY.  We have 5 minutes to write about that word without over thinking, over editing and just enjoy the freedom of writing.  I've set the timer many times and I always go beyond 5 minutes, but I do try to write in as short a time as possible and that is usually anywhere from 15-20 minutes.  Ready?



{START}

When I think about flying, I always think of birds, not airplanes or kites.  I guess it's part of being a nature lover but ironically, I live in the asphalt jungle.  

Of birds, I am reminded of a leadership seminar I attended many years ago, prior to being posted as a supervisor.  It was a very enriching seminar but honestly, I don't remember much of what was discussed except for this vivid picture that stuck in my mind.

Image courtesy of Vlado @ Free Digital Photos


It's the perfect picture of leaders and followers. At that time, I've always been anywhere in the V-formation except at the very tip. And for years, I have always flown, drawing strength from my mentors, until they flew away one by one and I found myself nearer and nearer that tip.

When it was time to handle my own unit, I was ready to take the responsibility of being the "goose" at the apex, but everyone gets tired sometimes and I have also learned to delegate tasks.  In the process, I also learned to train future leaders by giving them a taste of what it's like to be there and everyone behind, following them.

Still, I cannot help but remember those who have gone before me.  All I know is that they have flown to bigger skies.  And maybe, time will come when I will also leave the flock, forget being a "goose" and learn to become an "eagle."  

Image courtesy of Tina Phillips @ Free Digital Photos


Life will give us opportunities and instances where we have no choice but to fly alone and test our own strength.  But I take heart in knowing that there is One who will always be my strength and that He will lift me up as I go through life.  I will never be truly alone.


"But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."  --- Isaiah 40:31 (NIV)


{STOP}


Won't you join us this week and share your thoughts?  See you!

18 comments:

  1. This scripture was in my heart today. It's no coincidence that we're neighbors at Five Minute Friday! Love how he does that. Great word and post!

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  2. Delicious photos, I love these wonderful flight!

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  3. Thanks for stopping by Lisha. I love how God connects people in certain ways.

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  4. Loved your take on the word FLY. Beautiful post!

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  5. Dear Aileen
    Even the birds that fly in this V formation are trusting the slipstream created by the the flapping of their wings in the air. In the same way, we can fly on the slipstream of the love of our Lord Jesus as He carries us on the Wings of His Spirit.
    Blessings XX
    Mia

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  6. Amen to that, Mia

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  7. Thanks for dropping by, Eileen.

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  8. I find so much comfort in never truly being alone :) thank you for stopping by my blog. Have a blessed weekend. Tara.

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  9. A blessed weekend to you too, Tara.

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  10. Leaders do bear the greatest burden and it helps when the followers are very supportive and would take up the post from time to time when leaders tire out. Thanks for the honk...errr..the cheers. Blessings to you Anita!

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  11. Great leaders have once been great followers. I think themost essential lessons are learned when are still in the bottom of ladder, or in the back of the flock. Thank you for the lesson you impart today, Aileen.

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  12. Uyy, will miss you next week at our CommEx ha (pero I will still be commenting on your posts naman regardless hehe). Will just miss typing done under your blog name :) I haven't checked out the five minute friday site today cuz I had a work crisis - in great magnitude (kasi binaling ko sa loading up on carbs and not working out lol), but I will soon, hopefully next week!

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  13. I'm just around sis. I just want to take a breather, sort of break the monotony...just reading in a leisurely mode now.

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  14. I love your analogy here, Ma'am Aileen. :D

    It is truly liberating to "fly" and to be just be, without having to pretend. I guess when we reach a certain age, all our worries just dissipate. We're no longer worried of what other people will say because we are very comfortable with our selves.

    This is also my first time to be introduced to 5 minute Friday. I hope you don't mind me checking their site :)

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  15. By all means, do visit the site, sis! You'll meet a lot of amazing women there. You can't help but be blessed by their writings. :-)

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  16. ...and when geese honk at each other from the back of the V, they are encouraging each other...I always have to remind myself to be encouraging of those who lead, for the bear the greatest burden :). Cheering (honking) you on from the FMF sidelines!

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  17. Thanks for dropping by, Sanna.

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